Sabot, officially known as Cargo Carriers International Hauliers (Pvt) Ltd (CCIH), has issued a stark warning that it may be forced to shut down its Zimbabwe operations if the current business environment does not improve.
In a notice to its Works Council dated 16 June 2025, the regional logistics firm cited a combination of route restrictions, regulatory hurdles, and financial strain as reasons behind its decision to initiate voluntary retrenchments and reduce fleet capacity.
The letter, addressed to the CCIH Works Council in Willowvale, Harare, outlines a series of challenges that have made continued operations in Zimbabwe unsustainable. Sabot says it is now constrained to reduce fleet capacity drastically, and if conditions don’t improve, it may have no choice but to cease operations in Zimbabwe altogether.
Market Shift Leaves Sabot in the Cold
For years, Sabot’s primary business lay along the North-South Corridor – hauling freight from the DRC to the Port of Durban. However, changing preferences among exporters have seen business shift to the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Customers cite lower transport costs (Dar is ±2,000 km from the DRC compared to Durban’s ±3,000 km), quicker turnaround times, and reduced cargo theft risks.
“Durban port is notorious for inefficiencies and delays,” Sabot stated in the notice, adding that South Africa carries the highest copper theft risk in SADC.
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DRC Cobalt Export Ban Hits Revenue
The final nail in the coffin appears to be a total ban on cobalt exports imposed by the DRC government in February 2025. Sabot, which previously transported Metalkol copper and cobalt in a 50:50 ratio, now faces a devastating cut in freight volumes. Even when the ban is lifted, the government is expected to implement strict quota systems, meaning reduced tonnage and income for transporters.
“Due to this ban, CCIH (Sabot) will have no option but to reduce or park a further 50% of our existing running fleet,” the letter warns.
SADC Rules Restrict Zimbabwe Fleet
To make matters worse, the SADC Third Country Rule prohibits Zimbabwe-registered trucks from loading or offloading in third countries unless returning home. This means Sabot’s Zimbabwe fleet cannot legally operate on the Dar es Salaam corridor – a route that’s now more lucrative than the old Durban line.
While Zambian-registered units can still run that route, Sabot’s Zimbabwe assets have become redundant.
Ageing Fleet and Soaring Costs
Sabot also raised alarm over the cost of maintaining an ageing fleet – now averaging 18 years old. Without recapitalisation, the company says it can no longer compete on pricing, especially in a cut-throat regional market.
The letter ends by expressing deep regret over the situation and assures staff that the voluntary retrenchment process will be managed professionally. However, the underlying message is clear: if business conditions don’t improve soon, Sabot’s Zimbabwe branch could shut down for good.
This development signals a troubling shift in regional logistics and serves as a warning to other Zimbabwe-based operators who may be facing similar pressures.
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